2012 Aston Martin Cygnet

Aston Martins are not really inspired by Ian Fleming's fictional branch-Q, although it sometimes looks like that. Consider new Cygnet. An end-June 2009 announcement, it marks a surprising and historic collaboration between the company's choice of 007 and motorcar industry-leader Toyota.



The Aston Martin Cygnet is a luxury city car manufactured by Aston Martin since 2011, and derived from the Toyota IQ. Its purpose is to allow Aston Martin to comply with the European Union's fleet average emissions standards to take place in 2012.



Aston Martin Cygnet Launch Editions; White and Black

• Aston Martin confirms launch details for new Cygnet city car


• Two special launch editions to commence production of city car at company's Gaydon headquarters in the UK


• An Aston Martin Tailor-Fit solution for the city offering luxury and individuality.

The plot involving the impersonation worthy of a spy novel. Take the Toyota iQ drive front-wheel-small cars, which recently went on sale in Japan and Europe, adds flavor Aston styling and interior appointments, and then offer it to those monied as economical, useful city and suburban runabout with all the luxuries, comfort, and seal nameplate from Aston DB9, Vantage, or RAPIDE, plus super easy parking and decent low-emissions Greenpeace.



James Bond would appreciate Cygnet's impossible origins in a chance encounter between Aston CEO Dr Ulrich Bez and Akio Toyoda, the president pointed to the recent Toyota Motor Company in Japan and the grandson of the founder of the company. According to British magazine Autocar, the two moguls friendship struck in early 2009 at the Nurburgring 24 hour race, where the team they happen to share the garage space. Bez apparently offensive idea Cygnet, Toyoda-san willing, and Aston smallest ever published a few months later by e-mail tandem company.



The Cygnet will be available initially only in the UK, and then to other EU countries. Production and sales commenced in January 2011 and the market coverage will expand by 2012. Sales will not be restricted; however, it is expected that demand from existing Aston Martin owners for Cygnet would initially take priority. Aston CEO Ulrich Bez recently announced shipping expectations of about 4000 per year at a price of about £30,000. Bez states that the Cygnet demonstrates the company's commitment to innovation and integrity, whist respecting the need to satisfy demands of emissions and space.



The Cygnet has 98 bhp (73 kW; 99 PS) 1.3L straight-4 engine, it produces 110g of CO2/km and the fuel consumption is 58.9 mpg-US (3.99 L/100 km; 70.7 mpg-imp).



In BBC's Top Gear car magazine show (Season 15, Episode 3), the Cygnet was made fun of in the "News" section of the programme. Presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond all unanimously expressed distaste for the concept.

2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

The 911 GT3 RS, one of Porsche's most popular, coveted and successful track-inspired production cars, has been given a final, thrilling injection of thoroughbred motorsport technology resulting in the 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0. Limited to 600 vehicles worldwide, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 brings together in a sports car the attributes that have made the Porsche 911 GT3 a consistent winner on the race track.



The motorsport-derived 4.0-liter engine, already the highest displacement 911 engine ever, also features the highest per-liter output -- 125 horsepower (hp) per liter -- from a naturally aspirated Porsche flat-six engine. The engine uses forged pistons, the connecting rods are fashioned from titanium, and the crankshaft has been lifted unchanged from the 911 GT3 RSR race car. It achieves its maximum power of 500 hp at 8,250 rpm. Maximum torque of 339 ft/lbs is reached at 5,750 rpm.



The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 offers truly impressive performance, lapping the famed Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 27 seconds. Available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds, and with its gearing designed for the race circuit it reaches the 124 mph mark on the race track in under 12 seconds.



The 911 GT3 RS 4.0's outstanding driving dynamics come from numerous, meticulously coordinated details. In addition to using suspension components typically encountered in motor racing, weight reduction is also of supreme importance. Equipped as standard with lightweight components such as light but strong carbon fiber sport bucket seats, carbon fiber front fenders and luggage compartment lid, and weight-optimized carpets, the two-seater's ready-for-action weight is just 2,998 lbs with a full fuel tank. The 911 GT3 RS 4.0's power-to-weight ratio is 5.99 lbs/hp.



This limited edition 911 is painted Carrara White as standard and emphasizes its proximity to motor racing by its dynamic appearance. Signature characteristics are the wide track, the low vehicle position, the large rear wing with side plates, central twin tailpipe, and the aerodynamically optimized body. Air deflection vanes mounted on either side of the front bumper – called 'flics' or dive planes – make their first appearance on a production Porsche. They create increased downforce on the front axle, and together with the steeply inclined rear wing, provide aerodynamics on par with its performance capabilities. As a result, at the 193 mph top track speed, aerodynamic forces exert an additional 426 lbs of downforce, thus pushing the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 onto the road.



With a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at $185,000 (excluding destination), the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 goes on sale in the United States in late 2011.

Toyota Avanza

Toyota Avanza is a car manufactured in Indonesia by the manufacturer Daihatsu, which marketed the two brands of Toyota Avanza and Daihatsu Xenia. This car was made at the Gaikindo Auto Expo in 2003 and sold 100,000 units during the year. The name “Avanza” is derived from Italian avanzato, which means “improvement”.



Special version of the Avanza (S Type) was launched in late 2004 using Toyota VVTi engine. The launch of this version is also intended as “Test Market” for the development plan All Avanza-Xenia VVTi and Automatic Edition. This special edition also comes with automatic transmission. Only 200 units of Avanza (S Type) is produced.



At the end of 2006, launched the New Avanza-Xenia with changes in appearance, accessories, performance improvements and new engine technology that complements VVTi all versions. At the end of 2006 also launched the New S-Type (1.5 S VVTi) which is the most complete version with engine capacity of 1500cc VVTi, Rear Parking Sensors, ABS braking technology and Alloy 15 “Wheels Wheels. VVTi 1500cc engine used by Toyota Avanza has a specification that exactly the same as Toyota Rush. New S-Type is available in two choices of transmissions, manual and automatic.



Toyota Avanza is also marketed in several countries in Asia Pacific such as Malaysia (Version 1.5G comes with airbags), Thailand, and Philippines, while also marketed in South Africa and Mexico. While Daihatsu Xenia also sold in the People’s Republic of China with a configuration of 4-cylinder 1500cc engine capacity like the Avanza.

Both the Toyota Avanza and Daihatsu Xenia, both use a base chassis and body are the same and produced under supervision by Toyota Astra Astra Daihatsu Motor. For 1300CC engine (K3-VE) Toyota Avanza and Daihatsu Xenia using the same machine. Differences in both there are additional completeness, quality and variety of interior accessories. Toyota Avanza is also exported to Malaysia in the form of Completely Knocked Down and factory assembled by Perodua Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd..



Currently, Toyota Avanza specialize in 2 types of engine capacity (4 cylinder 1300CC, and 4-cylinder 1500cc), while the twin model of the Daihatsu Xenia Avanza use 2 types of lower-capacity engine (3 cylinder 1000 cc, and 4 cylinder 1300 cc) . K3-VE engine and 3SZ-VE engine is identical to that used by Daihatsu GranMax.

1970 Dodge Coronet

The Dodge Coronet is another success for American muscle cars. The Coronet available in 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, 4-door station wagon, and 2-door convertible. During 1968 to 1971, a 2-door limited edition model Dodge Super Bee was produced based on the Dodge Coronet.

Xenatec Maybach Cruiserio Coupe

Xenatec is using the Geneva Motor Show to unveil its one-off Cruiserio Coupe, a customer-ordered hyper-luxury car based on the Maybach 57S. The coupe was designed by Fredrik Burchhardt to a customer's exact specs, then hand-built by the Xenatec team.

2011 Buick Lucerne

The 2011 Buick Lucerne offers comfortable seating, plenty of power, and smooth handling. While Buick was considering changing the Lucerne to a rear wheel drive vehicle for 2011, it retains the front wheel drive capabilities.



Even the standard CX package offers luxury features when you’re considering the 2011 Buick Lucerne.

The 2011 Buick Lucerne receives only minor updates, including streamlined trim levels, new audio systems and standard stability control on all models.



Of course, some buyers may appreciate the Lucerne's old-school vibe. If you're partial to the grand Buick sedans of yesteryear like the Park Avenue and LeSabre, you'll feel right at home in the 2011 Buick Lucerne. Smooth and comfortable ride? Check. Check. On the move, the Lucerne disappoints with slow steering, lifeless handling, a bargelike turning circle and barely adequate brakes.

As basic transportation, the 2011 Buick Lucerne is good enough. The 2011 Buick Lucerne is a full-size luxury sedan offered in four trim levels: CX, CXL, CXL Premium and top-of-the-line Super. Five-passenger seating is standard and six-passenger seating with a 40/20/40 front split bench seat is available on all trim levels except Super.



The Comfort and Convenience package includes dual-zone automatic climate control and Bluetooth.

The CXL Premium includes the Driver Confidence package, plus chromed alloy wheels, a driver auto-dimming mirror, a lane-departure warning system, a blind-spot warning system and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.



Finally, the Super trim takes the Lucerne experience to another level with V8 power, 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, a sunroof (optional on CXL and CXL Premium), adaptive magnetic ride control, magnetic steering, perforated leather/faux-suede upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a touchscreen navigation system with real-time traffic. The front-wheel-drive Buick Lucerne offers two engines from which to choose. The CX and CXL models are equipped with a 3.9-liter V6 producing 227 hp and 237 pound-feet of torque.



Safety

Every 2011 Buick Lucerne is equipped with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. The Lucerne has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. The seats are comfortable, with ample room front and back, and a Lucerne advantage is the ability to seat six if needed.



The 2011 Buick Lucerne Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 87 published reviews and test drives of the Buick Lucerne, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

In that respect the 2011 Buick Lucerne is a decent choice.

If you’re looking for a car that’s quiet and comfortable, with a reasonably nice interior and conservative styling, the Lucerne will work just fine. The 2011 Buick Lucerne has one of the highest starting prices in the affordable large car class. The Ford Taurus has been winning great reviews for its sharply-tailored looks and high-tech cabin. If you’re a Buick fan, it may be worth passing over the Lucerne in favor of the Buick LaCrosse.



Buick Lucerne: The Details

The 2011 Buick Lucerne has four available trims: CX, CXL, EXL and the top-of-the-line Super. For 2011, GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on all trims.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep has launched its Grand Cherokee into the European market with a starting price of €52,200. This model is currently only offered in Overland trim, the highest available on the American market. Buyers can choose between a V6 and a V8 petrol engine or they could wait for the 225 hp V6 diesel set to arrive early next year. With a Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 under the hood, the SUV has an output of 286 hp and 347 Nm (255 lb-ft) of torque in European spec. Meanwhile, the 5.7-liter V8 delivers 352 hp and 520 Nm (383 lb-ft) of torque. All engines are partnered with a 5-speed automatic transmission that guarantees decent performance figures. The V6 results to a 0-62mph acceleration time of 9.1 seconds and it can hit a top speed of 206 km/h or 127 US mph (with an average consumption of 11.4 l/100 km or mpg 20 mpg and 265 g / km CO2).



The 5.7-liter V8 does slightly better, pushing the Jeep to hit 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and attain a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph), while getting 14.1 l/100 km (16 mpg) on the combined run. In Overland trim, the Grand Cherokee features active bi-xenon headlights, sunroof, powered tailgate, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, traction control, stability control for trailer towing and seven airbags.



The Grand Cherokee Overland V6 is priced from €52,200 to €63,800 for the V8. The new Grand Cherokee, which measures over 7 cm (2.75 inches) longer and 6.8 cm (2.67 inches) wider than its predecessor, has received major improvements in its exterior and interior design, with superior materials and bigger space for passengers. Buyers may opt for the metallic paint for €850 or the Safety Pack, featuring active cruise control and blind sport sensors, for €1,800.